Abstract
Objective Our aim was to compare the tuberculin skin test (TST) results and the level of serum IFN-γ in the diagnosis of TB infection among contact of smear positive tuberculosis. Design and methods Chest x ray, tuberculin skin test and serum level of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) by ELISA were performed to 30 sputum positive tuberculosis patients, their 118 household contacts and 31 healthy controls. Results The serum level of IFN-γ was significantly elevated in index cases than in contacts and control groups. There was no statically significant difference in serum level of IFN-γ between vaccinated and unvaccinated contacts. There was no significant correlation between IFN-γ level and tuberculin reaction or induration diameter in vaccinated contacts. There was significant correlation between IFN-γ level and tuberculin reaction or induration diameter in BCG unvaccinated contacts. Conclusion The serum IFN-γ is a better indicator of the risk of mycobacterial infection than TST in BCG-vaccinated contacts.
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